Summer 2024 (and Spring 2024) FILM INTERN OPENINGS AT STAGE LAB, PME for UChicago Students (In Person Opportunity 2023-2024 Academic Year)

School-year film internship for students and part-time or full-time jobs for recent grads

STAGE – Scientists, Technologists and Artists Generating Exploration – is a laboratory within the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, in which we create and develop multimedia theatre work inspired by science and technology.

For Fall 2023, we are looking for a few students to join an existing team of dedicated students on Curiosity: The Making of a Scientist, a film-based project with a focus on storytelling, science communication, and filmmaking. Each episode of Curiosity takes us into the lab and the life of a scientist. The series explores what motivates and is involved in choosing a career in science, what inspires scientific investigation, and the nature of curiosity itself.

We are seeking both scientists and artists who want to expand beyond the traditional boundaries of filmmaking and engage in interdisciplinary collaborations. This is a team-driven project that requires a willingness to explore a non-traditional method of filmmaking. Specifically, we use the scientific process as a model for our filmmaking process; that is, we are invested in the exploratory process as much as we are in the outcome. We have several experienced UChicago students already working on this project who will guide newer students through the process.

Core skill sets desired(one of the following):

• DOCUMENTARY EDITING (Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or equivalent software)
• ANIMATION (flexible animation style including both digital(blender, after effects) and traditional (frame by frame), experience with Clip Studio Paint or other such applications is a plus)
• MUSIC COMPOSITION: interest in Jazz, Blues would be a plus
• Cinematography with documentary focus(tripod and/or handheld), lighting, sound
• Post-production (color correction, color grading, sound correction on Pro Tools or equivalent software), Music composition especially for film

If interested, please submit your CV to stagelab@uchicago.edu, current GPA (if applicable), along with a short statement describing either:

• What your previous filmmaking experience entailed, and why you’re interested in working with the STAGE Lab and in a new way?

OR, if you don’t have previous filmmaking experience,

• Why you’re interested in working in this capacity with the STAGE Lab?

In your statement, please include hours per week that you would be able to commit to working on this project. We are accepting applications from third- and fourth-year students, and, on a case-by-case basis, freshmen and sophomores with broad experience in filmmaking. Due to STAGE's exploratory process, we require students to commit to a minimum of two-quarters of work with the Lab. Although STAGE does not offer direct funding, students do receive appropriate production credit (i.e., they will be listed in the film credits), and we do whatever is possible to enable students to apply to the various University funding channels available. Work study opportunities are available for eligible students. Students may also have the option of working with STAGE for independent study credit.

Applications for the Winter, Spring and Summer quarters are due now, and following the application, the interview calls will be sent out to selected candidates. Positions are filled as students apply. As a general rule, therefore, applications should be submitted as early as possible. Once selected, UChicago students will be requested to apply for Metcalf grants to secure funding. 

Application deadline: January 31, 2024 and late deadline February 16, 2024